Fermoy News

FINE GAEL ADDS O DRISCOLL TO GENERAL ELECTION TICKETHANDS

In what has been described as ‘an interesting move’ by fellow candidate, Cllr Tom Barry, Fine Gael’s Executive Council has announced that Cllr Pa O’Driscoll of Fermoy has been added to the party ticket to contest the general election in Cork East.

The current Mayor of Fermoy and a member of both Cork County and Fermoy Town Councils joins Cllr Barry and David Stanton TD on the Fine Gael ticket.

Reacting to the news, Cllr O’Driscoll told The Avondhu, “I am naturally delighted to be added to the ticket. Enda Kenny recommended my addition to the executive council in the days before Christmas. I did well at the convention in Mitchelstown and I’m well located in the constituency. There has not been a candidate from Fine Gael in Fermoy since Myra Barry contested her last election in November 1982.”

TOTAL REFORM

“This election will be about national issues and the leadership that people want in our country. We have seen how short term views and policies have created long term problems. There needs to be a total reform of local and national government, it cannot and will not be politics as usual for a Fine Gael led government,” the councillor added.

“Productive jobs must be created, both by attracting foreign direct investment, and by encouraging indigenous industries, specifically in the food production area and in alternative energies.

"Across East Cork many industries have been lost, and, while it will be difficult to rebuild our industrial base, it is clear from recent figures that Ireland is still a good location for export driven industries, “ Cllr O’Driscoll continued.

TALK OF CHANGE

“There will be a lot of talk about change in this election campaign, and, while I have a strong platform for change that can and needs to be made, any change must be specific and not just for the sake of change. I am part of a generation that has everything to gain from a strong government being elected that is willing to lead our country through the next 5 years. If we continue to procrastinate my generation will be lost to emigration and hopelessness.”

“I have proven from my time on Cork County Council and Fermoy Town Council that I am not willing to become part of the system, and have stood firmly against public representatives claiming allowances that are unjustifiable, and will continue to do that if elected to Dail Eireann, “Cllr O’Driscoll concluded.

LESS ENTHUSIASTIC

However, the reaction from fellow election candidate, Cllr Tom Barry from Killavullen was understandably less effusive: “Yes the addition of Pa has been an interesting move. I have a simple strategy and that is to work my own campaign and not concentrate on any other candidate’s efforts, “ he told The Avondhu.

“I felt after the convention that the Barry, Stanton ticket was good geographically and we would secure two seats with careful management. The addition was done by headquarters so I presume they have their own reasons.

"I am confident that I have the support from the grass root FG to return the second seat. The convention vote of 167 is an indication of the team I have in place. Transfers will be important, as Cork East is a very interesting constituency. Don’t rule out three FG seats in Cork East once again if the Fianna Fail vote collapses, “ Tom Barry added.

Fine Gael national director of elections, Phil Hogan TD, said, “The party’s executive council believes Fine Gael has put in place an excellent team to contest the General Election in Cork East. We are confident of success.”

NOEL’S FAITH

Elsewhere, another Fermoy hopeful, Cllr Noel McCarthy will learn his faith next Monday night at a meeting of the Cork East Labour party in Mitchelstown. Cllr Noel McCarthy is confident that he will be added to the Labour ticket.

“There has never been a better time for Labour to gain seats in Cork East,” Cllr McCarthy told The Avondhu.